HAVE I GOT SOMETHING TO TELL YOU

by Malachi Edwin Vethamani

‘Vethamani’s stories deal with the universal themes of love, loss, and cultural identity, rooted within the Malaysian social fabric.’— Mahesh Dattani‘These stories ripple with unsettling tensions often complicated by race, religion, expectations, fears and prejudices against the Other.’— Suchen Christine LimPoignant and provocative, a collection of stories that explore loneliness and longing, love and resolutionsWomen torn between their marriage and their emancipated livesA young boy’s memory of 13 May 1969 still flavoured with the slightly salted taste of cream crackersMixed-race couples divided by the walls of race and religionGay men’s love still incomprehensible to their familiesA sex-addict coming to terms with his own demonsA bumbling spirit complicating the attempt to fulfil a death wishTaking the reader from post-independent Malaysia to the early decades of the twenty-first century and the Covid-19 pandemic years, here are stories that delve into the complexities of family life, sexuality, and identity, conflicts that are typical in contemporary Asian societies, yet also so universal.

Genres: Short Stories

244 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Chloe Hor · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about Have I Got Something to Tell You was how brave and honest the stories were. The Malaysian society as a whole is often hesitant to discuss sensitive or controversial topics, but Malachi shares these stories unflinchingly.

The characters in these stories wrestle with things like trauma, racism, and homophobia. And we see how these big topics permeate their everyday life. I think Malachi handled these subjects elegantly and in a way that will resonate, particularly with an older Malaysian audience.

Malachi also captures yearning and loneliness very well. Although I didn’t connect with all the stories, some of my top favourites were Drowning, The Dastardly Twin, and The Gift of Silence.

Full review here: https://chloewritesthedust.wordpress....

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, 2.5 ⭐️
For the braveness of discussing politics, homosexuality and racial segregation in Malaysia, 4 ⭐️

Am noticing a trend amongst Malaysian authors to over explain and over polish their writing instead of being subtle. Let the reader put two and two together and daydream about what you describe!

Some stories in this were definitely better than others. The stories overall were rather under developed and could have been braver in pushing the boundaries and having more solid stances on controversial topics. A lot of the endings felt like a cop out. Was hoping to enjoy this more than I did.

[Regina Ibrahim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a real pleasure to read and translate the entire 12 shorts. Each one was read thrice (plus the editing process) - It's not too much to label the collection as RARE storytelling. The pace and plot were carefully measured. Each character presented be it main or supporting carries some meaningful message.
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12 Kumcer tulisan Malachi Edwin Vethamani diterjemah penuh keterujaan. Teknik dan Penceritaan yang jarang ada dalam penulisan cerpen di Malaysia. Kumcer tentang jelang usia, identiti, orientasi, hubungan dan kesulitan hidup watak-watak berbangsa India.

ADA CERITA INGIN KUSAMPAIKAN dari teks asal Have I Got Something To Tell You dijalin penuh tertib emosi tentang perasaan yang sukar dibawa ke jalur terbuka terus terang demi menghargai perasaan orang sekitar. Banyak manusia memilih berkias atau diam.

Bersediakan kamu mendengar ketakutan anak muda pada kematian? Wanita yang tersepit dalam membuat pilihan hidup dan jodoh? Anak perempuan perahsia? Nenek tua dengan kemahiran langka jadi kenangan? Cinta remaja yang tidak kesampaian? Manusia bisu dan tuli, apa perasaan mereka? Suasana langka negara yang dibawa masuk dalam bait bait penceritaan? Urusan manual selaras zaman? Anak muda dan Paderi yang diminta menghormati suasana? Takut tua? Berbaris jadinya desakan jiwa!
Gaya penulisan Malachi dalam merungkai cerita sangatlah cermat dan dikagumi. Tidak tergesa bersensasi, berlapik, tersorok dalam rungkaian kata. Diangkat pengalaman zaman agar diingati pembaca bahawa: Cinta, Kasih, Peduli, Tanggungjawab dan Kekecewaan tidak pernah dimamah waktu, ia kekal menyantuni generasi.

Semoga dinikmati Have I Got Something To Tell You dalam versi Bahasa Malaysia moden.

Benar, cerita adalah Raja.

Regina Ibrahim

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this collection of short stories.
It is written with a tight, taut, and deceptively-simple, well-crafted writing style, which makes all the ironies and twists stand out more, and lend towards a pleasurable reading experience.
My favourite stories are: Rohan, Meg and Lee; Drowning; Husband Material; The Gift of Silence; The Interloper; Road Trip; Best Man's Kiss; Give Us This Day; Sleeping Demon; Ghosts.
I think my absolute favourite would have to be Rohan, Meg and Lee; Road Trip and Best Man's Kiss. The tenderness that emerged in the twists did it for me.
Be sure to read it.

[Donna Abraham Tijo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of stories that deal with the themes of racism, love, sexuality. Although, what shines through in the book is not just the themes and the characters but also an Indian Malaysian voice, showing their stories from 1969 until the present.

[Geeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of twenty stories are packed into this paperback which grabs your attention with its intriguing title and captivating cover.
There are tales of love and sorrow, of love lost and gained, of joy against tragedy, all set against the need to to do right when wrong seems clearly pleasurable.
There is anguish and there is relief and that is the essence of this book which outlines human frailties and strengths.